Missing hiker search scaled back in Grand Canyon National Park

The search for two missing hikers is being scaled back, according to Grand Canyon National Park officials.

A spokesperson for the park said ground crews are no longer being used to find LouAnn Merrell and her step-grandson Jackson Standefer. They were swept away while crossing a creek in a remote area of the national park, on Saturday.

However, officials said search crews will continue to canvass the area in the sky and by water with the help of helicopters, drones and a motorized inflatable raft.

The family of the missing hikers said they support the decision and are thankful for the continued search efforts to find their loved ones.